General Information

What is Mobile Broadband?

Mobile Broadband provides high-speed internet access to data-only devices through the Verizon Wireless network. Use Mobile Broadband to access the internet through a computer, laptop, tablet or any other compatible data-only device, including a USB modem, Verizon Jetpack® and mobile hotspot.

Prepaid plans - These plans don't require a long-term contract. Choose from daily, weekly and monthly data allowances, depending on the type of device you have. Just add money to your prepaid account ahead of time, and the money is deducted from your account based on your usage. Purchase additional data allowances at any time if you need more. View our available prepaid plans.

Do I need to subscribe to an internet service provider to use Mobile Broadband?

What Mobile Broadband devices are available?

Can I use a Mobile Broadband device that I purchased from somewhere other than Verizon Wireless?

Yes, you can use any Mobile Broadband device that's been certified by Verizon Wireless as compatible with our network, including devices not purchased directly from Verizon Wireless.

If you didn't purchase your device from Verizon Wireless, please be aware that certification of a device for use on the Verizon Wireless network doesn't mean that Verizon Wireless has made any determination as to the function, call quality or other functionality provided by the device. The device provider is solely responsible for the representations of its product function, functionality, pricing and service agreements. Verizon Wireless does not in any way warrant that the certified device: (a) will operate or operate without error on the network (including the network of any other carrier accessed while roaming or otherwise), or with available Verizon Wireless branded products and services; (b) will operate without the need for periodic upgrades or modifications to the certified device; (c) will operate indefinitely on the network; (d) will not be subject to service disruptions or interruptions due to government regulation, system capacity, coverage limitations, radio signal interference or other anomalies; or (e) will not be adversely affected by network-related modifications, upgrades or similar activity. Also, you should contact the device provider from whom you purchased the device for questions about its operations and capabilities. Verizon Wireless representatives may not be able to troubleshoot operational difficulties encountered with devices not purchased from Verizon Wireless.

Does Mobile Broadband work with IP Sec and existing VPN solutions?

Yes, your VPN product should treat the Mobile Broadband data network exactly as it treats the internet. However, we recommend testing your specific VPN over the Mobile Broadband network before you deploy the service. Our national data sales team, in conjunction with system engineers and data solutions managers, works with customers and VPN providers to enable secure, wireless access to their VPN over our Mobile Broadband network. Your Verizon Wireless Customer Service Representative can provide additional information on VPN access over the Verizon Wireless networks. Verizon Wireless Data Sales Engineers are also available to meet with your corporate IT group to answer any questions and ensure a smooth implementation. For additional information, contact a sales rep.

How do I set up a new Mobile Broadband device on my computer?

Our Mobile Broadband devices come with a software installation CD that will help you set up the necessary drivers and software on your computer. After installation, there will be a few automated steps to activate the device, and then you'll be ready to start browsing.

I'm already a Verizon Wireless customer. Do I need a new mobile number for the Mobile Broadband data device, or can I use my existing phone number?

You'll need to add an additional mobile number to your account for the data devices. The data devices have their own mobile number and Device ID, just like a mobile phone.

Using Mobile Broadband

How important is signal strength when using Mobile Broadband?

The stronger the signal strength (found on the bottom-left corner of VZ Access Manager), the more likely it is you'll receive the highest speeds available on our network. If you're using Mobile Broadband inside a building, locate yourself close to a window or purchase an extended antenna for select devices. These solutions will provide the best speeds.

When I use a Verizon Jetpack or Mobile Hotspot, will the data used by the connected devices count toward the data allowance for the Verizon Jetpack or Mobile Hotspot?

Yes, the data used by all the devices connected to your Verizon Jetpack or Mobile Hotspot will count toward the data allowance for the Jetpack or hotspot.

How can I check data usage for my Mobile Broadband device?

You can check your unbilled monthly data use for your Mobile Broadband device through the following options:

My Verizon app - Open the My Verizon app on your mobile device and your usage will be displayed on the main page.

Online - Refer to the usage meters in the My Plan section of the My Verizon Home page.

Note: You must have your Mobile Broadband device mobile number available to check usage.

What activities, apps and services are likely to cause high data usage?

Some of the apps or activities that may lead to high data usage are:

Streaming videos or music

Uploading and downloading photos or large files

Apps that sync regularly or run in the background

Apps that require a continuous internet connection

Online games

Will I get a message when my Mobile Broadband data usage approaches my limit?

Yes, we send text messages to your Mobile Broadband device, which you can view by selecting the Text Messaging tab in VZAccess Manager. These messages will appear when you have 50%, 25%, 10% and 0% of your monthly data allowance left.

However, until the beginning of your first full bill cycle for your Mobile Broadband service, there is a time lag of up to 8 hours between the end of a data session and the point at which your data usage for that session is applied to your account. Therefore, it's possible that you may exceed your usage allowance before receiving a text message.

If you want to set different thresholds and/or specify the phone numbers and email addresses where alerts will be sent, you can do this on the Usage Alerts page in My Verizon.

Yes, downloads for OS updates, antivirus and other software updates will count toward your data allowance. You may want to change your device settings so these updates won't automatically download until you approve them.

4G LTE Service

What is 4G LTE Mobile Broadband?

4G LTE Mobile Broadband is a type of high-speed internet access that lets you use data-only devices on our 4G LTE network. XLTE is of the next advancement of our 4G LTE network. It doubles our 4G LTE bandwidth in cities nationwide. For more information about XLTE and 4G LTE, visit our Network Coverage page.

Plus, we're always working to add new operating systems that support Mobile Broadband. For the latest information, please visit our VZAccess Manager website.

Will my 4G LTE device work on the 3G network?

Yes, our 4G LTE devices are compatible with our 3G network. So even if you travel to an area without 4G LTE coverage, you may still be able to access the Internet through our 3G network.

Mobile Broadband Built-in

What is Mobile Broadband Built-in?

With Mobile Broadband Built-in, your laptop, tablet or IoT device includes all of the necessary hardware and software required to connect to our network, allowing you to be more efficient on-the-go with minimal hassle. You don't need to carry around a card, hotspot or some other device to connect to our network.

How do I set up my laptop or tablet to connect to the Verizon Wireless network?

To connect your laptop or tablet to our network:

Make sure you have a Verizon Wireless SIM card inserted in your laptop or tablet. If you're not sure the SIM card is inserted in your device, you can find instructions for inserting your device's SIM card by referring to your device's User Guide.

If you didn't set up service when you purchased your device, you can do so from your laptop or tablet:

Disconnect from any Wi-Fi connections.

Connect to the Verizon 4G LTE Network using your device's network settings. Refer to your device's User Guide for help with this.

Open your internet browser and navigate to vzw.com/certifieddevice. You'll automatically be taken to the account activation page to set up service.

Note: You may need to complete further steps to connect your device to our network. Refer to your device's User Guide for help.

Troubleshooting

I'm having trouble connecting to the network with my netbook. Do I have to turn anything else on when using the Mobile Broadband service?

On some models of netbooks purchased from Verizon Wireless, make sure that the power switch (if any) for the embedded wireless card is in the "on" position. You'll also need to launch VZAccess Manager on your netbook.

If you purchased your netbook elsewhere, be sure to check the power switch for the embedded wireless card (if any). Please be advised, some netbook vendors use connection manager software other than VZAccess Manager. If you purchased your netbook elsewhere, please refer to vendor activation instructions.

Some ISPs (Internet Service Providers) require their customers to authenticate before sending email from other networks, such as our network. Please contact your email service provider for assistance in configuring your mail client.

The computer doesn't detect my Mobile Broadband device. What should I do?

There are several possible resolutions.

Issue

Resolution

Physical Connectivity

For PC Cards, make sure the card is fully inserted into the PC Card slot. Remove and reinsert if necessary. Try another PC Card slot on the computer (if available).

For USB Modems, make sure the modem is fully inserted into the USB port. Try another USB port on the computer (if available).

On laptops with embedded Mobile Broadband device, there may be a physical on/off switch. In addition to this physical switch, your laptop may come with software to turn on/off the Mobile Broadband device. Please refer to your laptop's User Guide for the location of the physical switch and/or software used to control the embedded Mobile Broadband device.

Drivers may not be installed or were installed incorrectly

The Drivers and Connection Software for the PC Card, USB Modem, or embedded Mobile Broadband device must be installed prior to using these devices for the first time.

If the PC Card or USB Modem was inserted before driver and software installation, unplug it and then remove the drivers through Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs. Reboot the computer, and then reinstall the drivers prior to re-inserting the PC Card or USB Modem.

On laptops with an embedded Mobile Broadband device, turn off the device. Remove the drivers through Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs. Reboot the computer, and then reinstall the drivers prior to turning on the device.

Note: Your device drivers and connection software may be found on VZAccess
Manager's website. Software may also be found on the CD included with your device.

Another program or device may be using the port

Verify that there are no programs running that use the same COM port resources as the modem.

If so, exit or close the program and retry. Examples of such programs include: HotSync, ActiveSync®, FoneSync, Fax Controller, etc.

Windows Update or Service Pack issues

The computer should have the latest service pack and/or updates from Microsoft Windows Update.

Visit Windows website to determine if your system requires updating.

My Mobile Broadband connection seems very slow. How can I improve it?

There are several possible resolutions.

Issue

Resolution

You may be in an area that only has 3G coverage

If your device has 4G LTE Mobile Broadband capabilities (EVDO), you will achieve Mobile Broadband speeds within the 4G LTE Mobile Broadband coverage area. When you're in an area that doesn't offer 4G LTE Mobile Broadband services, your device will seamlessly connect to the 3G network (if available). When connected to our 3G network your connection, it won't be the same speed and throughput as 4G LTE.

Signal Strength

A poor signal on your device will contribute to slowing down your connection speed.

If you're experiencing poor signal strength, try moving to a different location.

Check to make sure your antenna is fully extended (if applicable).

Also refer to our coverage map to determine the level of coverage in your current location.

You've gone into Safety Mode

Check My Verizon to see if you've used all of your data allowance for the month and gone into Safety Mode.

If you have gone into Safety Mode, you can purchase a Data Boost to get back to 4G LTE speeds.

I was able to connect my Mobile Broadband device, but I'm getting the error message "Page cannot be displayed." What should I do?

There are several possible resolutions.

Issue

Resolution

A firewall or internet security may be interfering

Try disabling your firewall temporarily for troubleshooting purposes. Sometimes a firewall or security program isn't properly configured, and changes must be made to the program to allow the mobile network connection.

If disabling the firewall or security program allows you to browse web pages, then contact the maker of the program for further configuration support. Windows XP Service Pack 2 includes a built-in firewall. You can disable this for troubleshooting purposes through the Control Panel > Windows Firewall.

Your Web Browser may not be configured properly

Your browser may be set to connect through a proxy or configured to use a specific connection other than the mobile connection.

These errors are usually caused by a data provisioning issue. Click the Chat with us button at the bottom right corner of this page to contact one of our representatives if you encounter either of these error messages when trying to connect.